(1) Whenever public assistance is paid under a state program funded under Title IV-A of the federal social security act as amended by the personal responsibility and work opportunity reconciliation act of 1996, and the federal deficit reduction act of 2005, each applicant or recipient is deemed to have made assignment to the department of any rights to a support obligation from any other person the applicant or recipient may have in his or her own behalf or in behalf of any other family member for whom the applicant or recipient is applying for or receiving public assistance, including any unpaid support obligation or support debt which has accrued at the time the assignment is made.

     (2) Payment of public assistance under a state-funded program, or a program funded under Title IV-A, IV-E, or XIX of the federal social security act as amended by the personal responsibility and work opportunity reconciliation act of 1996 shall:

     (a) Operate as an assignment by operation of law; and

     (b) Constitute an authorization to the department to provide the assistance recipient with support enforcement services.

     (3) Effective October 1, 2008, whenever public assistance is paid under a state program funded under Title IV-A of the federal social security act as amended by the personal responsibility and work opportunity reconciliation act of 1996, and the federal deficit reduction act of 2005, a member of the family is deemed to have made an assignment to the state any right the family member may have, or on behalf of the family member receiving such assistance, to support from any other person, not exceeding the total amount of assistance paid to the family, which accrues during the period that the family receives assistance under the program.

[2007 c 143 § 6; 2000 c 86 § 6; 1997 c 58 § 936; 1989 c 360 § 13; 1988 c 275 § 19; 1985 c 276 § 3; 1979 ex.s. c 171 § 22.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- 2007 c 143: See note following RCW 26.18.170.

     Short title -- Part headings, captions, table of contents not law -- Exemptions and waivers from federal law -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Severability -- 1997 c 58: See RCW 74.08A.900 through 74.08A.904.

     Effective dates -- Severability -- 1988 c 275: See notes following RCW 26.19.001.

     Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 171: See note following RCW 74.20.300.